The operator of the skytrain expressed interest on Thursday in joining a new train project to be jointly run by Thailand and China.
Surapong Laoha-unya, director and chief operating officer of Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), said the Thai-Chinese train project was on the company's radar screen as it was interested in the high-speed train plans.
"The firm is studying the possibility of the [high-speed train] routes to be constructed by the government for future consideration," he said.
"As for the Thai-Chinese project, BTSC is interested in a joint venture being set up as it opens the way for the private sector with expertise in train operations to join in," he added.
BTSC operates the BTS train lines.
Thailand and China agreed on Wednesday to set up a public-private joint venture to manage the double-track rail lines from Nong Khai to Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong via Khaeng Khoi district in Saraburi and another route from Khaeng Khoi to Bangkok.
The State Railway of Thailand will hold a 30% stake in the company to be set up and the same stake will be open to the Thai private sector. China will control the remaining 40%.
Details of the joint venture will be thrashed out in their next meeting in Kunming in May.
BTSC has 30 billion baht in cash in the purse to bid for other projects either alone or with other business partners, Mr Surapong said.
Other projects the company hopes to compete for are the Pink Line from Karai to Min Buri and a light rail route from Bang Na to Suvarnabhumi airport.